Tuesday, April 13, 2010

On a Wing and a Pear

It's been hard to tell that springtime has arrived in the Rogue Valley. Sure the weather was impeccable for all of January, February and March but April has made up for lost time allowing only the skiers friendly refuge.
That's why it was so important to have the Pear Blossom Run marked on our calendars. The buds on the trees were blossoming in February and have since been pelted with rain and snow. It was uncanny how most of our training seemed the same. Having racked up impressive mileage and tested ourselves with races throughout the winter a few of us were feeling downright hesitant and gun shy leading up to our regional rite of spring.

As with most things, we endure.

This year's race would usher in a new champion as Max King joined some 700 runners at the American River 50 with the hope of getting an entry into the Western States 100. Erik Skaggs found himself serving bread at the finish line and cheering for his fitter half out on the course. That left most of us wondering who would take this years crown. I imagine it gave a few people hope, but as we headed out of town my eye caught a glimpse of what looked like a Kenyan and that would be the end of the speculation. However, on the ladies side a fierce battle was being waged as our local favorite proved that her leg speed was not lacking after coming off a recent marathon.

Indeed, the fanfare our Born to Run hero has garnered has not change her humble roots. She has been seen mingling with the regular folk of our area and was even spotted signing a Kindle at the pre-race registration. With a Sharpie none-the-less. When asked if I should sign the Kindle, I was met with skepticism, "Are you in the book?" Humbling, just humbling.

As many people wondered upon seeing our hero at the starting line, was this her day to shine. Ultimately, it reminded me of that eighties sitcom with the undeniable theme song, "The Greatest American Hero."

Perhaps it was just Connie Sellecca?

And there were others that had come to enjoy the day in the same fashion, if you will.

As the race developed, it was amazing to see so many familiar faces out there with an improbable number of registrants. Some 1,800 runners in the 10 miler and another 1,200 in the 5k. Not to mention a Mayors Mile filled with hundreds of youngsters. The record setting Ruch School garnering the most participants again this year, congrats coach Stemple!

There are too many to individually congratulate so I will perpetuate the Mail Tribunes coverage of the Top Ten because, well, I made it.

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